LAPD Dumpster Investigation
LAPD Investigates After Newborn Found Abandoned in Los Angeles Dumpster
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A 4-month-old infant named Luna was found dead in a South Los Angeles dumpster on September 28, prompting authorities to arrest her 19-year-old biological mother, Takiyah Rochelle Babers. Fox LA reported that Babers was charged with murder and assault on a child causing death after the baby was discovered wrapped in a blanket by someone searching for recyclables. She is being held on $2 million bail, with her next court appearance set for October 30.
The infant had been in the care of foster parents for her entire life due to concerns about Babers' postpartum depression. LA Mag reported that the tight-knit South Los Angeles community mourned Luna's death, while the foster family and local activists pointed to apartment surveillance footage as evidence the act was premeditated rather than impulsive.
How the Baby Was Found and Authorities Responded
Around 10:30 p.m. on September 28, someone discovered the unresponsive infant inside a dumpster in the 5200 block of Alba Street near Long Beach Avenue in South Los Angeles. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported Luna to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Fox LA reported that the Los Angeles Police Department Juvenile Division arrested Babers without incident the next day and booked her on suspicion of murder.
Apartment Security Footage Shows Planned Actions, Activists Say
Ring camera footage from Babers' apartment at the Puebla del Rio housing complex allegedly shows her turning off lights and playing loud music shortly after the foster parents dropped Luna off on the morning of September 28. Najee Ali, a South Los Angeles community activist representing the foster family, said the footage suggests deliberate intent. "That's why they believe she didn't just snap," Ali said of the apparent calmness. "It was planned."
The foster parents, Laura Lacy and Herman Johnson, expressed deep anger and regret. Lacy told reporters, "The baby was alive in the trash until she took her to the hospital and she passed away... She was healthy. You had to injure her for her to die... Why would you throw her away?" Johnson added, "I should have just kept her like I started to do... The baby can't protect herself."
Mental Health Struggles and a Missed Safe Haven Option
The foster parents had cared for Luna from birth because they were concerned Babers was struggling with postpartum depression. California's Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows parents to leave infants 72 hours old or younger at hospitals or fire stations without legal penalty. But Luna was four months old, placing her far outside that window of protection and leaving no legal alternative for Babers to surrender the child.
The case has sparked conversations in South Los Angeles about gaps in mental health support for young mothers, child protective services oversight, and foster care reintegration protocols. If convicted on murder charges under California Penal Code 187(a), Babers could face life in prison. Her next court date is scheduled for October 30.
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